Wonderbar Radio Chrome

[Mark P.]

I have a 58-60 Wonderbar radio that I will be getting restored and need to know which of these 3 options would most likely yield the best result in judging:

1. Use the original chrome I have which is in pretty good shape but has some minor piting. The chrome is still smooth but it is not mirror like in finish (i.e. like a bumper). Was the chrome very nice when new ?

2. Have it rechromed and risk the loss in detail or smoothed out corners and expect that considerable time will need to be spent by the restorer to get the buttons and search bar to fit back on.

3. Buy the Corvette central faceplate kit everyone sells with the CC marked allen set screw buttons

[Jack H.]

Re: Wonderbar Radio Chrome

You're on the horns of a common dilema called 'teeter totter'... With repro vs. replated original vs. simply cleaned up original parts, you're probably trading originality for condition points and MUCH will depend on the specifics of the condition of what you've got versus what judges you pull, at what meet, what day for interior...

I don't think it's possible to give you a more concise answer. But, remember these parts were chrome plated cast pot metal items. The factory was in a hurry to get jobs out the door and even NOS parts from the era will show 'some' pit that was intrinsic to the original casting process.

[Steven N.]

Re: Wonderbar Radio Chrome

Mark,
I have restored many wonderbars. I re-plate original chrome. I have a plater that knows how to do it without losing detail. All items have come back looking original and go back together fine. Just make sure your plater knows what he is doing. Best of luck, Steven J.

[Mark P.]

Re: Wonderbar Radio Chrome

UPDATE - I had a National and Regional judge look at the radio yesterday at my NCRS chapter meetinng and they said I should do nothing with the chrome and as is there would be no deducts on the appearance. This is great news and some of the defects I thought were due to age were probably there when it was made.

I have been in the NCRS just 4 months now and have been very impressed by all the helpful members and info available.

Thanks !

[Joel T.]

Re: Wonderbar Radio Chrome

Mark,
I have restored many wonderbars. I re-plate original chrome. I have a plater that knows how to do it without losing detail. All items have come back looking original and go back together fine. Just make sure your plater knows what he is doing. Best of luck, Steven J.

Hi Steven,

Could I impose upon you to provide the name/contact for the plater you use... I have an original 1963 wonderbar which needs to have this done to it...

Much Thanks!

Joel